Yes, I was Bullied!

Growing up was easy at all, My fondness for books, debates and political incidents over usual trendy stuff, meant I was relentlessly made fun off in high school (9th and 10th standard), consistently insulted and taunted throughout higher secondary school (11th and 12th) and ridiculed at College. I sort of had friends, but they were the one who supported me at times. They were the ones who were nice to me.

I recently watched a video 'I was Bullied' by Arya from Simply Sexy Stupid, which made the remember certain incidents from the past.

When it comes to bullying, it is made at a victim who is helpless and introverted, who over the years becomes more and more ostracised and insecure, who will often tumble into a pit of depression or social anxiety.

This may be true in some cases, but in my own experience, it's not quite true.  The bullying I experienced has been my driving force. It's weird to say bullying can have a positive impact, but it's all about how different people deal with it. It can be a really positive thing.

I am not ashamed of being bullied. It's not my dirty little secret; it's one of the many things that helped shape the person I am today. Of course, the same can't be said for everyone; I'm lucky that I was able to process the bullying rather than internalise the pain and let it affect me in later life.

For anyone being bullied who might be reading this, I understand that this is easier said that done; that attitude shift isn't going to happen overnight. You need experiences and support to deal with it. I can say is that it will most likely get better one day. Don't be afraid to ask for help, If you think you need one.

More than a decade after those unpleasant experiences, I am living with a decent job and friends with lots of talented people who aren't that cool either.

Let me just say this bullying someone is a weak choice. The only reason they come after you is because they think you won’t do anything about it. Does that make anyone strong? No, Not at all.

I can conclude that I am okay. I am not just surviving. I am enjoying my life. They are not the same person anymore, and neither am I.